University of Reading

The University of Reading was founded as an extension college of the University of Oxford (University College of Reading) in 1892. In 1926 the University received a royal charter by King George V that gave it the power to grant its own degrees. Reading was the only new university to be created in the UK between the two world wars. In 2016 the University celebrated the 90th anniversary of its Royal Charter. The University of Reading has four campuses in Whiteknights, Greenlands, London Road, and an international campus in Malaysia.

The University of Reading is among the top 30 UK Universities offering numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs covering a wide range of subjects from sciences to humanities, business, and arts.

The University comprises of three faculties which consist of several departments related to specific subjects:

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
• Faculty of Life Sciences
• Faculty of Science.

The Henley Business School is one of the top-ranking business schools offering courses in academic areas like Marketing and Reputation, International Business and Strategy, real estate, and many more.

The University has a team of well-educated and professional academic staff providing world-class education using the latest teaching and research methods. Reading has a diverse student population with more than 5000 students coming from over 140 countries around the world. Dedicated support and guidance are provided to international students including visa and immigration support.

• The University of Reading ranked 31st in the Times University Guide, 2021.
• 98% of the research conducted at the University was found to be of international standing according to the Research Excellence Framework, 2014.
• The university is located in an ideal and safe location with excellent campus facilities.
• The University of Reading provides students with flexible ways to complete their degrees so that they can find part-time jobs and they are also given the opportunity to work with other institutions abroad.
• A wide range of support services is provided to students by the University especially to international students or students facing any kind of academic or personal issues.

The University of Reading has a Careers team to help students, alumni, employers, and staff on any employment-related issues. Students can opt for one-on-one appointments to discuss job options, get help regarding their CV and application, look for internships and work experience, or prepare themselves for job interviews. Virtual or remote career programs are available so that students can access them from anywhere. The University also provides career services to students with any disabilities as well as students who have already graduated from the university. Academic staff and tutors can approach the career team for assistance regarding issues like placement, including employability in the curriculum, increase student employability, and many others.

Some notable alumni of the University of Reading include:

• Rob Wilson (Former Minister for Civil Society)
• Richard Sambrook (British journalist and academic)
• Janet Beer (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool)
• Dimeji Bankole (Nigerian politician and former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria)
• Tomasz Schafernaker (Polish-British meteorologist)

Student services:

The University of Reading provides student services with the aim of enabling learning and development through professional information, advice, and guidance so that students can manage and complete their studies successfully. Students are encouraged to build their skills and experience through personal and professional development. A wide range of facilities are available on campus for students, they are also encouraged to find part-time jobs and internships to gain necessary work experience.

Accommodation:

The University offers a range of catered and self-catered accommodation options for undergraduate and postgraduate students to choose from depending on their budget and preference. The accommodation options include self-catered flats, student halls, private accommodation as well as accommodation suitable for mature students, couples, and families.

Medical services:

The University of Reading gives utmost importance to its students’ health and wellbeing by offering medical advice and services as well as activities to keep them healthy and physically fit. A number of services are available including Medical and dental practice, Counselling and wellbeing services, and disability support.

Sports facilities:

The University of Reading has some of the best sports facilities of any University in the UK, and it has a number of sports programs suited for both sports enthusiasts and beginners. There are over 50 sports clubs including football, basketball, rugby, netball, etc. which students can be a part of each offering free training sessions and organizes friendly matches and competitions. The University’s sports teams also take part in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports) Leagues. The sports facilities include sports halls, football pitches, Squash, tennis and netball courts, grass pitches, and several others.

Clubs and Societies:

The Reading University Students’ Union has over 150 clubs and societies for students run by students themselves. Students can join these clubs and societies based on their interests, and with more than 150 options to choose from, they are bound to find something that will appeal to them.